A YOUNG pilot is hoping his career in commercial flight will take off after helping to build his own aeroplane.

Nick Robshaw, 22, has spent the last 18 months helping his dad, Brian, and neighbour Phil Jenkinson, build a kit aircraft.

"We are just waiting for the documents to come through from the Civil Aviation Authority," said Nick, whose dad runs the Horseshoe Inn, at Levisham.

"Once the aeroplane is registered we'll get a test pilot in and, if everything is approved, we'll be able to fly it." The trio set about building their own aircraft partly so that Nick can build up his experience in the air. "I gained my pilot licence in the U.S. because it's so cheap over there," he said.

"But my ambition is to become a commercial pilot, either flying airlines or freight. In order to do that, I have to have lots of experience of flying an aeroplane.

"Taking flying lessons in the UK is such an expensive business we decided it would be cheaper to build our own. That way I can fly as often as I want without incurring the high costs involved.

"Once I've built up enough hours flying I will be able to apply for a commercial pilot's licence."

The aeroplane was built from a kit and has been a labour of love for the three behind it.

"It has been very frustrating at times because it is a complicated business," said Nick.

"Fortunately we have a knowledge of engineering and we managed to get around any problems we have had, though at times we thought it would never be built.

"It has been an interesting process and we've learned a lot about the building process involved."

The aeroplane is currently at Wombleton Airfield where it will stay after passing its first flight test.

"There is just one final hurdle - we haven't had it up yet, but hopefully the test pilot will give the OK," added Nick.

"We have taxied it along the runway and run all sorts of checks on the engine and the wings. We're itching to get it into the air."

Updated: 11:32 Tuesday, August 13, 2002